Power Lunch benefits children's center

More than 200 supporters helped the nonprofit Jack & Jill Children's Center raise $25,000 at its recent Power Lunch fundraiser in Fort Lauderdale.

Proceeds will help the center pay for scholarships and subsidies to low-income families who qualify for their early education center and parenting courses, said Maria Meyer, director of development. The 2013 Special Friends Award was awarded to AutoNation and Mike Jackson, its CEO.

The center, established in 1942 by the Junior League of Fort Lauderdale, operates an early childhood education and daycare center at 1315 W. Broward Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

It has provided more than 13,000 children and families with education and support services to help overcome poverty, relieve stress, become more financially literate, overcome substance abuse, become better parents, and receive education and training needed to become employed.

Costs for various services are based on a sliding scale, depending on the family's income.

Meyer said the center requires participating families to be working a minimum of 30 hours a week or in school and participate in one of its quarterly educational series.

"Our services are not meant to enable but to empower," she said.

Keith Arnold, senior vice president at BB&T, said the firm provides financial support to the center, and staff members volunteer there.

"We are big fans and supporters of Jack & Jill Children's Center, and when I first came out to visit them, I couldn't help but be moved by the work they're doing," he said. "They are absolutely changing lives."

The group has grown over the years. Once able to serve 86 children, the center now can serve 170 daily since its move into a new 17,000-square-foot facility a decade ago that made their infant and toddler program possible and includes classrooms and an industrial kitchen where hot meals are prepared three times a day. Meyer said there's a waiting list for some of their programs.

Belinda Knox recounted how she benefited from the center's programs almost 20 years ago. A single mother struggling to overcome substance abuse, Knox lost custody of her two children for three years while she sorted out her problems. Now gainfully employed and off drugs, she has re-established good relations with her children, who are both now attending college on scholarships.

"They helped me get my footing back without judgment, so I always go back and volunteer my time because of their love and the great work they do," said Knox, of Lauderhill. "They make daycare affordable with scholarships to people working and going to school. They're holistic in their approach to helping families, and they're true to their values and to their commitment to the community."

For more information, call 954-463-8772 or visit http://www.jackandjillcenter.org.